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Polk County, Florida authorities have reported a tragic incident in which 42-year-old Timothy Shultz was shot and killed by deputies after a bizarre series of events began with an alligator attack. Sheriff Grady Judd described how Shultz charged at deputies wielding garden shears and attempted to grab a firearm from a patrol vehicle.
According to Sheriff Judd, the chaotic series of events unfolded on Monday morning. Deputies first received calls about a man behaving erratically near a Racetrack gas station around 6 a.m. Witnesses described Shultz as “shaking” and requesting to call his son.
Despite an extensive search that lasted approximately 40 minutes, deputies were unable to locate him. The situation escalated when a 911 call reported a man in a lake known to be inhabited by alligators, with one alligator spotted near him. The caller suggested that Shultz might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
When deputies finally approached the scene, several bystanders had already tried to assist Shultz. One witness reported offering him a life preserver, which he refused. Another tried to communicate but fled after Shultz growled at her.
Authorities Confront Dangerous Behavior
Upon their arrival, deputies observed Shultz emerging from the lake, brandishing a pair of garden shears. Reports indicate he also attempted to break into a truck by throwing a brick.
As eyewitnesses looked on, a woman walking her dog saw Shultz charge directly at the deputies while still holding the shears. Sheriff Judd noted that there was considerable concern regarding the time taken by deputies to use deadly force, but he clarified that their initial intentions were to de-escalate the situation.
“We tried to tase him on two different occasions, and he continued to advance towards them,” Judd explained. He reassured the press that deputies asked Shultz to drop the shears multiple times.
Despite efforts to contain the situation peacefully, Shultz escalated his actions. He ultimately entered the passenger side of a running patrol vehicle, where he attempted to seize a rifle or shotgun stored inside. Faced with an immediate threat to their safety, deputies shot Shultz multiple times, resulting in his death.
Sherriff Judd elaborated, “He attempted to assault my deputies with garden shears. Then, he jumped into their vehicle, which constitutes armed burglary. Upon trying to access the rifle and shotgun, all warnings were rendered irrelevant, and action was imperative.”
Previous Criminal History and Drug Influence
The sheriff indicated that Shultz had a long criminal history, including multiple arrests for methamphetamine-related offenses. Notably, he had been released from jail just days before this incident, raising questions about the effectiveness of interventions for substance abuse.
“There are people who want the public to perceive drugs as non-violent and low-level issues,” Judd stated emphatically. “This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with drug use.”
Witnesses reported that prior to the violent encounters, Shultz was bitten on the arm by an alligator while swimming. Sheriff Judd remarked on the absurdity of the circumstances, highlighting the risks associated with drug use, saying, “When you can swim across a lake, sustain apparent alligator bites, and then attack law enforcement officers, it’s clear that he was under the influence of drugs. This is a tragic but pressing example of the consequences of such behavior.”
A Call to Action for Community Safety
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Sheriff Judd underscored a crucial point about public safety and the alarming behavior exhibited by individuals under significant influence. He commented further on the complexity of drug-related violence and its implications for communities.
“Quite frankly, his conduct was outrageous and bizarre,” Judd stated, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that deputies return home safely after their shifts. The sheriff’s final remarks echoed a hope for increased awareness about the dangers posed by substance abuse, emphasizing the community’s broader responsibility to address these issues.
This incident not only serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of drug-induced behavior but also calls attention to the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in managing such situations. As communities continue to grapple with substance abuse, the importance of effective prevention and intervention strategies cannot be overstated.
